GR Haefner Mouthpieces

Gary graduated University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree. Gary studied trumpet with Allen K. Butcher, from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Dennis Najoom, Co-Principal Trumpet with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and Renold O. Schilke to name a few. After college, Gary traveled on the road, backing up big-name acts, arranging, composing, doing copy work and some studio work.

GR as an educator

Gary Radtke has been a High School Band Director, Department Head, as well as, an accomplished composer/arranger. This extensive background is the basis to his series of clinics, “The Scientific Approach To Brass Playing” and “Understanding The Mouthpiece”.

GR’s Technical Background

GR is a journeyman tool maker. He started GR Technologies in 1999 and introduced new tools and new thinking. GR also defined the mouthpiece with mathematical parameters, developed a system for communication, improved design, and developed methods for proper fitting. (GR Playing Tests)

GR "Signature" Trumpet Mouthpieces

Haefner Mouthpieces

Steve Haefner

Haefner Mouthpieces

The GR Haefner Series Trumpet Mouthpieces were designed with the Symphonic player in mind. They offer players crisp accuracy, huge sound, and a characteristic trumpet brilliance required to play above any orchestra, with the ability to blend in a section.

The unique rim of the Haefner Series offers extreme comfort without sacrificing clean articulations and flexibility.

Haefner Mouthpieces are only available through Haefner Music.

Go to Haefner Music!

About Steve Haefner

A native of Wisconsin, Steven A. Haefner received his early training from Richard Metzger, Principal Trumpet of the Milwaukee Symphony. By the age of 15, Mr. Haefner performed as a soloist with the Milwaukee Youth Symphony.

During his sophomore year, he had become a member of the Bach Chamber Orchestra and the Concordia College Chamber Orchestra where he performed as second trumpet along with Pat Badger, Principal Trumpet of the Racine Symphony Orchestra. In 1983 Steve played Principal for Bach's 'B Minor Mass'.

After High School, Mr. Haefner auditioned for and was accepted by the Eastman School of Music. While at Eastman he studied with Charles E Geyer and Barbara Butler.

Steve joined the Tulsa Philharmonic in 1988 as 2^nd trumpet and has remained in the Tulsa area since then. His performance activities are extensive, performing with the Tulsa Opera Orchestra, the Bravo Brass (Formerly with Tulsa Philharmonic), and Tulsa Brass Ensemble.

He has also held the position of Principal trumpet at the Light Opera of Oklahoma Festival since 1989.

In 2003 Steve became a substitute player in the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Appearing with the MSO three times, he had the opportunity to play 2nd trumpet to Dennis Najoom. Most recently Mr. Haefner became a substitute player with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra. He played In Honolulu's opera production of Puccini's 'Turandot'. In 2005 Steve played 2nd trumpet to Dennis Najoom in Copland's 3rd Symphony in the MSO.

In 2006 Mr. Haefner won 2nd trumpet in the Breckenridge Music Festival. In 2008 Mr. Haefner became was Principal trumpet in the Breckenridge Music Festival.

In addition to appearing as a featured soloist with the Tulsa Philharmonic Orchestra and the Tulsa Starlight Band (Musicians Union) Series, Steve has been active as teacher and performance lecturer.

He has appeared as a guest lecture recitalist at Alverno College in Milwaukee and Cardinals Strich in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

During the 2002-2003 academic year, Steve was selected to be the Instructor of Trumpet for the University of Tulsa while the regular instructor was on temporary leave.

During the 2003-2004 academic year, Steve also was selected to be the Trumpet Instructor of Oklahoma State University at Stillwater OK.

Steve is currently the Trumpet Instructor at Oral Roberts University. His extensive work in the churches of Tulsa has resulted in many appearances as a lecture / recitalist with the Oklahoma and Green Country Organ Guilds.

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